In an attempt to distract herself fromthosesorts of impossible thoughts, she set her own mind on Kas’s music-making magic. As Ataht twirled her around the dance floor, she wondered if Kas had to memorize the notes for every song he encouraged the instrument to perform? Would his eventual children share his air magic? Did he simply impress his mood upon the instrument to encourage a tune? Would he prefer to be called Dad, or would he be open to something different? Did he have to request a specific piece by title and composer?
When the last notes of that final song faded from the room, Kas sent a burst of air up toward the chandelier, extinguishing each of the candles but leaving the wall sconces untouched. Their soft glow filtered through her dancing ice-crystals, sending sparkles cascading across the ceiling.
“Oh, it’s lovely.” Nes could hear the smile in the princess’s sleepy voice.
“Like the stars came down to play!” Ataht added excitedly, using the last of his energy for little bounces. Weighed down by sleep, he attempted to grasp the elusive magical lights.
“Come, you’ve had a long night. Let’s get you to bed,” Lord Kahoth commanded in a decidedly fatherly tone, pulling Della up into his arms and reaching out his other hand for Ataht.
The prince was reluctant to leave her side. “Can’t we stay here longer? A little while?”
Kas shook his head.
“Please, Miss Kiappa?” Ataht tried his luck with her.
She chuckled, as if her opinion would outweigh the duke’s. It was irrelevant though; in this situation they were of the same mind. “It’s time for bed, little prince.”
His shoulders sagged.
“Come on, I’ll walk you upstairs. Tell me your favorite part of the evening.” Her coaxing worked, and he agreed to go to bed.
Nes and Ataht began the procession toward the hall with Kas and the princess on their heels. It took a bit longer than normal to climb the great curving staircase as the prince’s sleepy feet set their pace, but they made it to the top eventually and turned right toward the twins’ bedrooms.
“Miss Kiappa,” the duke’s low baritone cut through the quiet. “Would you swap with me and help the princess get ready for bed? I probably should have considered this before giving their nannies the rest of the night off.”
He looked sheepish as he made the request, and she couldn’t help but return his smile. “Of course.”
Once Della was changed and tucked neatly under the covers, Nes slipped out of the room and found Lord Kahoth standing on the landing, watching her, waiting for her—maybe. She wasn’t sure if this was goodnight or if he wanted her to join him, so she stalled outside Della’s door.
Silently, he went to the railing and looked down into the ballroom. Something in his stance still felt inviting, even with his back turned.
“So,” the duke began, still facing away.
“So,” she responded, her feet taking her to his side. Nes grasped the smooth wood and trained her eyes on her decorations, still flitting around the room. She coaxed a cornflower blue butterfly over and landed it on her fingertip.
With his feet walked back and his arms grasping the railing, Kas’s head was level with hers.
She could lean in and—Stop it, Nes.
“Thank you. The children enjoyed themselves tonight.”
“And you?” His eyes searched her face.
What does he want?
“I enjoyed myself, too.” She meant it. In spite of her confliction, she’d happily return tothe ballroom, let him take her in his arms, and waltz to his ethereal music beneath the warm lights until the sun rose over the east.
“Good.”
“Good,” she repeated, apparently only able to parrot when distracted by the glow of candlelight against his stubbled jaw.
“Yes, good. Tonight was for you and me as much as it was for the twins. And you look beautiful, Nes.” His stance was still casual, his words anything but. Her heart fluttered, her stomach fluttered, her... well, she was fluttering everywhere.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Shall I escort you to your room?” Low and husky, his question held significant weight.
Mistress,her subconscious hissed.
